Obituaries

Ruth Ann (Borcher) Smith, 84 passed away on Monday, April 29th, 2024, under the compassionate care of Boonespring Nursing Facility in Union, KY. She was born March 13, 1940, in Elsmere, KY and grew up in Newport.
Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, William and Marie (nee Book) Borcher; siblings Mary Jo Borcher, William Borcher, Catherine Smith, Margaret Rainey, James Borcher, and Thomas Borcher.
Ruth is survived by her husband of 64 years, Albert “Gus” Smith; they were united in marriage on July 4, 1959, in Newport, KY. She is also survived by one son, Joseph (Rhonda) Smith of Crittenden, KY, and 3 grandchildren: Andrew (Louisville, KY), Abigail Smith (Ooltewah, TN) and Ashtyn Smith (Crittenden, KY); her dear sister, Nancy Riley, as well as many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many cherished nieces and nephews. She loved each one of her family members dearly and intentionally.
Ruth was most passionate about spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed camping and bus trips as well as traveling to and spending time with her extended family in Tennessee. She spent many days tending to her beautiful gardens and flowers; her legacy of gardening will live on through her son, Joe. In her later years, she and Gus often spent their days taking leisurely drives and having lunch while watching the planes from the viewing area of the airport.
She was widely known for her compassionate care of many other children in her life, including her neighbors and many nieces and nephews. Her care for children extended to those who attended Northern KY Headstart in Elsmere. For many years, Ruth and Gus would shop year-round to fill Christmas stockings for each child who attended the Headstart program. They were presented an award by the Program in recognition of their generosity. One of Ruth’s favorite pastimes was day-long shopping trips with her sister, Nancy; she had a knack for finding the best bargains. But she was always shopping for others, never for herself. Many residents in NKY came to know Ruth for her annual yard sales.
In her final days, Ruth found great comfort in her faith and visits from many in the surrounding Catholic churches and community. Visitation will be at Stith Funeral Home in Florence, KY, Wednesday, May 8th, 2:00-3:00, immediately followed by a memorial service. Ruth’s final resting place will ultimately be in the Smith Family Cemetery in Oakdale, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.